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Saturday, May 12, 2012

A New Life

With Mother's Day just a few hours away, I began to reflect on my life before and since becoming a mom.  Five years ago, almost to the day, I gave birth to our first child and my life was changed dramatically.  However, its funny with the first how I still tried to hold on to some aspects of my pre-child life.  Though over time, I realized that my life was a stark contrast to the life I lived before bringing a new life into the world.  Not only is my schedule, check book, car and standard of cleanliness different, but I'm different.  I recognize that though I might have some of the same personality traits...I'm a different person.  With the birth of Kati Ann came the birth of a new me.
How similar is that to our relationship with Jesus.  When He entered the picture, I got a new life.  One that gave me a different perspective and leash on life.  I have purpose and satisfaction in the person of Jesus.  In Him, I find approval, acceptance and affection.  My needs are met in the person of Jesus.  But just as I tried to hold on to some of the things of my previous pre-child life...I sometimes try to grab hold of my things from the old Bobi Ann.  I pick up some of the insecurities or worldly pursuits that marked my previous life and try to make them somehow fit with my new life in Jesus but they don't.  It doesn't work.
Mother's Day usually makes me think of the joys of having sweet kids that mess up my house and give me more laundry than I could have imagined but I was just reminded today about the fact that they gave me a new me...alot like Jesus did.  I'm thankful for both.

Ballet 2012

Jared & I have some strong opinions about kids and extracurricular activities and so when Kati Ann approached us about wanting to take ballet, we were a little hesitant.  We really didn't want to start her in anything so young.  However, she didn't just ask once.  She continued to ask and virtually begged.   So, we gave it serious consideration.
I had heard of this sweet little ballet program at Whitesburg Baptist Church that met for one hour, once a week.  It was a relaxed atmosphere that just allowed the girls to enjoy themselves without being competitive or overly serious about it.  
So, we signed her up and it turned out being such a blessing for all of us.  Besides Kati Ann getting to dance every week, I made a precious friend with one of the other moms that I cherish.  We hung out at the indoor playground in the building where KA took lessons and Kie got to have a great time.  It was all around such a positive experience.  I'm so glad that we did it and as you can see Kati Ann truly enjoyed herself.  We're planning on continuing next year in the same program.
They had a little recital at the end of the year where the 5 classes danced to some precious worship songs. The whole recital lasted 30 minutes and my girl enjoyed every second.  I thought she looked gorgeous and we were so proud of her.



Five and Fabulous


Kati Ann turned five and we had a party in our backyard with 4 of her closest friends.  It was a sweet time of riding bikes, painting and just hanging out.
For Kati Ann's birthday, I asked her some questions that I hope to do every year to see how she grows and changes.
1.  How old are you?  5
2. What makes you happy?  When Daddy makes me smile
3.  What is your favorite animal? elephants
4.  What is your favorite thing to eat?  chicken & sauce and apples and strawberries
5.  What is your favorite things to do?  watch a movie on Daddy's phone or iPad
6.  What is your favorite TV show?  My Little Pony
7.  What are you really good at?  cleaning up toys
8.  What is your favorite movie?  Tinkerbell
9.  What is your favorite song?  Twinkle Toes  (I'm pretty sure she made this up)
10.  What is your favorite color?  pink and purple
11.  Who is your best friend?  Carly, Greta, Campbell
12.  What do you and your mom do together?  play
13.  What do you and your dad do together?  love
14.  What is your favorite sport?  ballet
15.  What is your favorite place to go?  Wal-Mart
16.  What is your favorite book?  Cinderella
17.  What do you want to be when you grow up?  a princess



Two with Thomas

For Kie's second birthday, we headed to Chattanooga for Day Out with Thomas.  We got to ride the train, jump in a bounce house, pet farm animals, play with trains and more.  It was such a sweet day.  We hope to go again as Kie gets older because he wasn't quite tall enough for the table they had with the trains (though he didn't seem to notice!)